Alliance responds to European consultation on the use of lead shot

The Countryside Alliance has responded in full to a European consultation on the continued use of lead shot. The Alliance has stated that there is no need for further restrictions on lead shot in the UK, a position supported by Defra in their recent letter to the remaining members of the Lead Ammunition Group.



The European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) consultation on the "use of lead in shots over wetlands", which has now closed, requested responses on issues such as: the impact of any current or future restrictions; the efficiency and safety of non-lead shot; and the available evidence of compliance with existing regulations. Regardless of our relationship with the European Union any restriction on the manufacture of lead across Europe will have a massive knock on effect in the UK, leading to issues with the import of ammunition and increased domestic pressure for a ban.

The Countryside Alliance's robust response focused on the available and scientifically-valid evidence from the UK, including the current Food Standards Agency advice and the sparse number of scientific studies recording the impact on wildlife. The Alliance also reviewed the issues associated with the non-lead alternatives and the potential economic impact of further restrictions.

Liam Stokes, Head of Shooting for the Countryside Alliance, said, "The Alliance has always robustly argued to keep the current lead regulations as they are in the UK. We support the current ban on the use of lead shot over wetlands and on wildfowl, but there is absolutely no available evidence that shows the need for the introduction of further restrictions."

"We welcome common sense and evidence-led policy, but that evidence has to be directly relevant to shooting practices and conservation concerns in the UK. Defra's letter to the Lead Ammunition Group last week clearly indicated that this evidence does not support any further restrictions on lead ammunition in this country, and we hope the EU recognises that further Europe-wide restrictions are unnecessary and impractical. The ECHA process will affect the UK regardless of Brexit, so we look forward to the next stages of the consultation and working alongside shooting organisations at home and throughout Europe."